March 8th, 2010
A dog is a fantastic pet to own and the years of pleasure you will receive from your beloved pet, makes the investment well worthwhile. However, before you ‘go walkies’ and purchase a bundle of pet products you may never use, take a paws for thought and consider two of the most important requirements for your new addition to the family.
Dog Leads – are you being lead astray?
There are many types of dog leads available but choosing the correct one for your furry friend could send you barking mad. Most dogs brush along nicely with traditional leather or nylon leads. They come in varying lengths and in retractable or standard form. Longer leads are perfect for obedient dogs as they allow them the freedom to wander and sniff out some interesting hunting ground. A new dog however, will be more difficult to control, especially when he notices that all trees have bark! Opt for a shorter lead and let your new friend know who is top dog.
Dog Collars – keeping you out of the dog house
Since the Control of Dogs Order came into effect back in 1992, it is illegal to own a dog that does not wear a collar with an identifiable tag. Failure to provide evidence of your name and address could lead to a £5000 fine. Purchase a dog collar with an attached ID Tag, to keep you on the straight and narrow. You can buy cool, funky designs or opt for a more refined look. Measure around your dog’s neck to find his measurement, then add on another two or three inches to ascertain the correct collar size. Check that the collar you purchase has a smooth surface underneath so as to keep your dogs neck free from chaffing.
Tags: Cat Accessories, Dog Accessories, Fish Accessories, Pet Products, Reptile Accessories
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February 26th, 2010
Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time for all parties involved. Below are some things to consider when introducing a kitten to its new home which may help to ensure a successful start to a long and happy relationship:
Feeding
Serve fresh cat food and water every day in ceramic, plastic or stainless steel dishes. All dishes should be cleaned thoroughly after every serving.
Toilet
After food and water, the next most important of cat accessories is the litter tray. Kittens often respond better when they have a choice of two litter trays which are nearby.
Bed
There are all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles of cat beds available, but a cardboard box with some soft bedding in can be just as good. However, don’t be surprised if a kitten is just as happy sleeping on an old jumper.
Toys
A kitten needs a selection of robust cat toys, preferably without small parts that can be swallowed. One of the joys of having a kitten is watching them perform all sorts of gymnastics as they try to bite, claw and wrestle with their toys.
Safety
One of the more useful cat accessories available for purchase is a ‘quick release’ identity collar that breaks away if a kitten gets its head caught on a branch. Along with an ID tag, a bell should be attached to locate the kitten. It is also worth considering getting a microchip inserted just in case the kitten gets lost.
Tags: Cat Accessories, cat beds, cat food, cat health, cat toys, Pet Products
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February 19th, 2010
Sometimes it can be tempting to share pet products instead of buying separate cat accessories and dog accessories. This is fine when dealing with toys or beds but there are pet products which should not be shared, the most important being food. Dog food contains different nutrients to those required by cats, so a cat should not be encouraged to eat dog food, as it will not provide the protein, taurine and arachidonic acid which are essential to the nutrition of a healthy cat.
Protein
Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores so they need a meat-based diet with more energy-inducing protein. Dogs, being omnivores, do not need meat as part of their diet, so a diet of dog food will not offer enough protein to sustain a cat.
Taurine
Cats need taurine to help combat heart disease, respiratory illness and possible blindness. Dogs can manufacture their own taurine, so it is not included in dog food. Cats can only get taurine from their food, so eating only dog food would deprive them of this much needed amino acid.
Arachidonic Acid
Dog food does not contain arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid which cats need for energy but cannot manufacture independently. Again, the only way a cat can acquire this is from their own food.
Calories
Dog food contains fewer calories than cat food because the metabolism of cats is very different to that of dogs. If a cat eats only dog food, it will lose weight because of the lower amount of protein available.
Tags: Cat Accessories, cat food, Dog Accessories, dog food, Pet Products
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February 12th, 2010
Even with the wealth of cat foods and cat accessories now available, some cats can be particular about what they eat. This can be a concern for owners about whether their cat is getting the right cat food in the right amounts.
What cat food is best for fussy cats?
Cats are spoilt for choice with the array of foods and cat accessories on offer such as, chunks in gravy, chunks in jelly or meatloaf. If a cat is a fussy eater, then a selection of the different types on one plate can be a good way to gauge what their preference may be. Another way to tempt a fussy cat is by warming the food before serving as this can help to release the natural aromas. Some cats naturally shun moist foods and may prefer to munch on dry food.
How much is enough?
Some cats gain weight easier than others and need less cat food to keep them slim and healthy, while other cats need extra food to keep them at their ideal body weight. A cat’s body condition can be assessed by feeling its ribs – they should just be palpable under a firm covering of flesh. There should be a natural waist between the ribs and hips, while the stomach should be tucked in higher up. When cats gain weight, they tend to get saggy stomachs first, followed by extra weight over the ribs. How a cat measures up to this ideal can determine whether an increase or decrease in feeding is necessary.
Tags: Cat Accessories, cat care, cat food, cat health, cat products
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February 5th, 2010
The most essential of all cat accessories for pet cats is food. There are three main types of cat food; dry, soft-moist and tinned. These types of cat food products can easily be formulated to provide a well balanced diet for cats:
Dry Diets
Dry kibble foods are very good for cats as they have a healthy balance of nutrients as well as a crunchy texture to help strengthen cats’ teeth. Dry foods have more nutrients than moist foods, so serving amounts can be smaller, although it is generally good practice to follow the feeding guidelines on the pack.
Soft-Moist Diets
Soft-moist foods should always be served at room temperature. Cats are very aware of smell and texture so food served straight from the fridge may not appeal to them. Opened, unused portions of food must be kept covered and refrigerated, but for no longer than 24 hours. It is best not to leave moist/wet food lying out for more than an hour or so as it will become crunchy and may get infected with bacteria.
Tinned Diets
Tinned cat food is the most ubiquitous of all cat accessories. Generally, tinned foods are more appetising to cats than dry and soft-moist products. After a tin of cat food has been opened, any food left in the tin should be stored in a fridge. As economical as it may be, never feed tinned dog food to cats as it will not have the essential additional amino acids, fatty acids or vitamins that cats need in their diet.
Tags: Cat Accessories, cat care, cat food, cat health, cat products
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February 1st, 2010
In general, most pet reptiles require the same basic conditions in their enclosure; heat, humidity, and light. There are some basic reptile accessories necessary to help provide this environment and monitor the husbandry. Below is a basic guide of reptile accessories to consider:
Monitoring Reptile Temperatures
The single most important accessory to be invested in for your reptile is a digital thermometer. Some vivariums are regulated by a thermostat; however, the best way to monitor the temperature within an unregulated reptile’s enclosure is with a digital thermometer with a probe. A handy alternative is also available in the form of a handheld temperature ‘gun’.
Heating a Reptile Vivarium
Heat is probably the most important factor of a reptile’s vivarium. Without correctly maintained temperatures, a reptile may have trouble digesting its food, causing it to stop eating. Incorrect temperatures can cause health concerns such as respiratory problems, and can also stop a reptile from regulating its body temperature properly. The best way to ensure a vivarium is at an appropriate temperature is to use an under tank heater (UTH) positioned on the side or underneath.
Lighting a Reptile Vivarium
Daytime active (diurnal) reptiles need to have a light source and a UV source, as well. Night-time active (nocturnal) reptiles do not necessarily need a light source, but it can helpful to provide one in order to create a day/night scenario. A red light bulb can be used at night for viewing, but a standard light bulb should be acceptable during the day.
Tags: Pet Products, Reptile Accessories, reptile products, reptile vivarium
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January 28th, 2010
It is well noted that different dog breeds have significantly different personalities.
Hounds, such as a Bassett, are affectionate, loyal and independent – and yet can be wary of strangers until they get to know them. Gundogs are always alert, quick to learn and enjoy pleasing their owners, whereas groups of terriers come in all sizes and they are lively, bossy, curious and some times like to avoid children.
Working dogs and guard dogs are very good at protecting both owners and their homes. ‘Guard’ dogs live up to the title as they can be strong willed and dominant. They will also ‘boss’ their owners if they are allowed to get away with it.
Last but not least there is the small toy breeds, usually consisting of snappy guard dogs, but full of love and affection for their owners. They can be quick to work out how to get their owners eating out of their hands – or paws.
Some breeds of dog tend to show several of the same characteristics. Herding dogs love to be stimulated both mentally and physically, although they do still like to have a large, comfortable dog bed for them to sleep on.
At Rocket Pets we have a range of dog beds and dog accessories specifically aimed at keeping your pet dog happy and healthy. Different sized dog beds accommodate for all dog sizes and breeds, as all dogs at the end of a long day need a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Our stock of dog beds come in various sizes with a range of quality dog accessories, making dogs lives more comfortable.
We have all the essential dog accessories, such as grooming tool, dog collars, multi wormers and, of course, feeding and drinking bowls.
Tags: Dog Accessories, dog beds, dog collars, Pet Products
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January 25th, 2010
One of the major issues in buying reptile terrariums is making sure that you consider your pet’s safety above everything else related to them. For example, it is not considered safe for you to buy a large reptile home with reptile accessories and other pet products, and simply assume that your pet will not try to escape.
At Rocket Pets, we suggest to our customers that the ideal reptile vivarium is one that is considerably larger than your pet reptile to allow them to move around. It must also have decent means of being secure to prevent loss of the animal.
Ideally, your reptile would like plenty of room to slither around, and when he wants to he can play with some pet products – such as a few reptile toys.
All reptile tanks can benefit from a couple of reptile shelters, as your pet will need a place to hide away to sleep. Place a shelter in the part of your pet’s reptile tank where the temperature is sustainable to allow them to have a relaxing sleep. A large reptile likes to feel the shelter as it gives him a sense of well being, while any food he has eaten has time to digest.
Smaller reptiles are able to snuggle up to pet products, such as long pieces of wood or logs. They too like to enjoy a nap to get away from noise and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Tags: Pet Products, Reptile Accessories, reptile terrarium, reptile vivarium
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January 19th, 2010
Many providers of fish accessories are continually asked about the difference between an aquarium and a terrarium. New pet owners fail to register whether there is even a difference, and sometimes there is a debate between our customers as to what exactly is the difference. It is important to distinguish between these because pet owners need to be informed about exactly what their pet needs.
An aquarium becomes a terrarium when you are going to have a non-aquatic pet. In the early days small reptiles were kept in aquariums, but that changed when owners realised they were clever at escaping from their home.
The word “terrarium” means a home for terrestrial animals, and not plants. The first terrarium was invented by a London doctor called Nathaniel Ward in 1827 who was an amateur botanist. Crabs, newts and frogs which need access to both land and water would be homed in a tank known as an aqua-terrarium.
The aquarium or fish tank is the most popular term and certainly the most well known word that is associated with fish, by pet keepers and the general public, and aquariums, fish food and other fish accessories have evolved with improvements in today’s technology.
Years ago, there aquariums or fish tanks held together with panes of glass and putty. Today you have beautiful silicone sealed tanks with a range of pet products to keep keep your pet fish happy and in good health.
Aquariums have special fish accessories and plant life to keep pet fish healthy and amused. Pet products make looking after a pet fish easy.
At Rocket Pets, we are experts with regard to fish accessories past and present, of all varieties.
Tags: aquariums, Fish Accessories, fish food, fish tank, Pet Products
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January 14th, 2010
Today there are more and more people asking about the new designs and fish accessories that are now available for beginners – or existing – fish owners.
At Rocket Pets we have in stock both the standard and latest designs of aquarium fish tanks to accommodate new and existing customers.
New pet owners may want to know more beginner kits and what other pet products and fish accessories are available to them. We advise our new customers on some of the aquariums and fish accessories that are easy to maintain.
Existing customers who want to upgrade their existing fish tanks may decide to ask us to show them more pet products and additional fish accessories for their larger tank, as fish accessories are constantly evolving to accommodate for different tank sizes.
There are a few people who live in an apartment or a rented home and are not allowed to have a cat or a dog as a pet, but can keep a fish in one of our aquarium kits. Smaller aquariums that can house one pet fish will not require as many fish accessories, compared to the larger fish tank with shoals of fish, thus making smaller tanks ideal for those on a budget or living in a smaller space.
It is good industry practice to ask new customers to measure the space they have allocated for their new pet. A firm should then show their range of aquariums and fish accessories that matches the measurements of the allocated space.
If an aquarium is going to be placed on a table, it is important to check if the table will be strong enough to withstand the actual mass of the volume of water it will hold.
Tags: aquarium fish tanks, Fish Accessories, fish tanks, Pet Products
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